There is an almost imperceptible shift in the days, nighttime falls sooner, the leaves are still green yet somehow seem crisper. The summer heat is at its peak, and still a suggestion of change is in the air, a new season is approaching.

The end of summer is a bittersweet time for parents. We all want our children to have the same fond memories of their summers that we do: feelings of unburdened freedom that can only come with youth, sunshine, and carefree fun with their friends. We feel a bit bad for looking forward to our own adult freedoms that come with the fall, until we remember a different kind of excitement and trepidation – back to school.

We can’t prepare them for everything they will face in the upcoming year, the challenges this “tech” generation faces we can only begin to imagine but, as parents, we do our best to send them off with smiles on their faces and the right tools for success.

Back to school shopping starts with the usual supplies, and then we move on to new shoes and outfits for the ever-growing crew. I can’t claim to have the faintest idea what new gadget or device is the cool, must-have item for 10-year-olds this year (I am certain that saying “cool” is also considered very lame by 10-year-olds), but I’m sure I will find out soon enough. However, these are the types of items that concern me the least. As someone whose background is in the preparedness industry and now works at Nite Ize, my mind goes to the “in between times”. These are the times when the kids are heading to and from the bus, the times when they are waiting to be picked up after soccer, the times when riding their bikes or walking to a friend’s house, the times when I need to know that they are safe.

As you may have guessed, I am an anxious mom! Fortunately, working for Nite Ize, I have knowledge of, and access to a lot of products that help to put my mind at ease. Fortunately for my kids, Nite Ize has done a phenomenal job of disguising these safety products to make them look really “cool”.

I guarantee, no one can ever claim they didn’t see my kids coming! We have their bikes lit up like Christmas trees! They love it, and I have peace of mind that I’m doing my part to keep them safe.

Exhibit B: Backpacks – as far as I’m concerned, the brighter the better.

I have SpotLits clipped to their bags, to our keys, and to just about anything that’s portable. They’re helpful when you need a light, but also add another spot of visibility on the kids as they’re walking home on these shorter days. For the younger kids, I like to wrap a BugLit or two around the straps on their bags. They are cute and fun little characters crawling up the strap, but can be used as a flashlight, or put in strobe mode to give the kids important visibility.

Exhibit C: I like to save the best for last.

SlapLits are my kid’s favorites. That’s right, remember slap bracelets? They’re baaaack! And apparently kids still love them as much as we did growing up (OK, I’ll be honest I might still really love them too). The Nite Ize SlapLits use the same “slap it to snap it” style, but have the added benefit of being illuminated by a red LED that glows and flashes – so as you can imagine, endless fun, and not just for the kids, I wear mine any time I go jogging in the evening.

Whatever your back to school shopping list looks like this year, just remember it’s not only about the “cool” stuff and the new stuff, it’s about the important “stuff” too. So, we do our best to prepare them, send them off with that smile, and now, it’s time to sit back, relax, grab a cocktail, and enjoy the peace and quiet of autumn. Happy back to school everyone!

Thoughts on Innovation, the Nite Ize way.

We have over 400 innovative problem/solution based products that appeal to anyone who has ever faced a daily frustration and found that perfect product to solve their problem. Whether you are into the latest tech products, love to walk your dog, enjoy hunting & fishing, biking with your family, or just love a helpful gadget, we hope that you will find a Nite Ize product that makes your life easier, safer and more fun – night and day! We love to share stories & ideas with our friends and customers. Enjoy!